Cuisine Guide

Date Night — Best Indian in Central London

Discover handpicked Indian restaurants in Central London, with what to order first at each place.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

9 restaurants

1
Manthan

Modern Indian · £££ · Mayfair

85Signal

Start with

Ghati Masala Prawns

Regarded as a highlight of the menu, these prawns are described as 'delicate but fiercely flavoured' and are a go-to recommendation for those new to Rohit Ghai's cooking.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
Hoppers

Sri Lankan & South Indian · ££ · Soho

82Signal

Start with

Mutton Rolls

Universally praised across all reviews as the perfect crunchy, spicy starter; described as 'a thick but crisp spring roll heavily filled with grown-up spiced sheep'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai

Regional Indian · £££ · Fitzrovia

82Signal

Start with

Mangalore Bun & Scottish Crab Sukkha

Described as a 'harmonious' combination of delicate, slightly sweet buns and tender crab flavored with fennel and ginger.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
Darjeeling Express

Indian · £££ · Soho

78Signal

Start with

Tangra Chilli Garlic Prawns

Drawing influence from Kolkata’s Chinatown, these are described by critics as accurately cooked with 'punchy' spicing and 'plenty of garlic'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
Chourangi

Indian (Kolkata) · £££ · Marylebone

78Signal

Start with

Banana Flower Croquettes

Critics highlight their "delightful crunch" and "real meatiness," noting the clever blend of banana florets, coconut, and cinnamon served with a delicate mint-kasundi dip.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Tandoor Chop House

Indian · £££ · Covent Garden

76Signal

Start with

Seekh Kebab Roll

A favorite of critics and diners alike, this 'robustly spiced' minced lamb kebab is served on a well-blistered naan with pomegranate seeds and a mint sauce that helps 'tame the dish'.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Tamila

South Indian · ££ · King's Cross

74Signal

Start with

Thanjavur Chicken Curry

Consistently praised as a knockout dish, it is described as being laced with turmeric, coriander, and coconut with 'just the right amount of heat.'

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

8
Dishoom Carnaby

Indian · ££ · Soho

70Signal

Start with

Chicken Ruby

Consistently cited as a 'hit' that should be on your table; a rich and reliable curry option.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

9
Dishoom

Indian (Bombay Café) · ££ · Covent Garden

54Signal

Start with

House Black Daal

Commonly regarded as the restaurant's signature, it represents what fans call an 'outstanding' and 'fresher take' on Indian classics that lives up to the hype.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

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